Numbers 31 32

Numbers 31:32 kjv

And the booty, being the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep,

Numbers 31:32 nkjv

The booty remaining from the plunder, which the men of war had taken, was six hundred and seventy-five thousand sheep,

Numbers 31:32 niv

The plunder remaining from the spoils that the soldiers took was 675,000 sheep,

Numbers 31:32 esv

Now the plunder remaining of the spoil that the army took was 675,000 sheep,

Numbers 31:32 nlt

The plunder remaining from everything the fighting men had taken totaled 675,000 sheep and goats,

Numbers 31 verses

Numbers 31 32 Meaning

Numbers 31:32 describes the precise tally of a specific portion of the vast material wealth captured by the Israelites in their holy war against the Midianites. This verse quantifies the colossal number of sheep, stated as six hundred seventy-five thousand, that constituted "the booty" — the general spoils designated for the entire congregation of Israel and the Lord's portion — as distinct from "the plunder" which the individual soldiers might have taken initially for themselves. It highlights God's abundant provision and the scale of the victory He granted.

Numbers 31 32 Context

Numbers chapter 31 describes a specific punitive expedition commanded by God against the Midianites, who had seduced Israel into idolatry and immorality at Peor (Numbers 25). Moses, before his death, leads Israel to execute divine judgment upon Midian. This chapter details the swift and complete victory of the Israelites, the specific instructions for killing, cleansing, and, importantly, the meticulous accounting and distribution of the immense spoils of war. Verse 32, along with other verses listing other categories of spoils, functions as a record of the captured assets, distinguishing the "booty" (total captured items for collective distribution) from initial "plunder" taken by soldiers, which also contributed to a Lord's portion. This precise accounting reflects God's ordered nature and concern for justice, even in war, and the careful separation of what was to be consecrated or cleansed from what was merely earthly gain. The vast numbers testify to the comprehensive nature of the judgment and the bounty God bestowed upon His people.

Numbers 31 32 Word analysis

• Now (וְהָיָה - vehāyâ): A conjunctive particle, often translated as "now," "and it came to pass," or "then." It serves to continue the narrative, linking this statement to the preceding description of the military operation and victory, setting the stage for the enumeration of the spoils.
• the booty (הַמַּלְקוֹחַ - hammal·qôaḥ): This Hebrew noun specifically refers to what is captured or taken. It denotes the entire collective spoil, the general haul of goods and living things acquired during warfare, which is subject to specific instructions for distribution and cleansing. It implies an official collection point for distribution, distinguishing it from spontaneous personal seizing.
• over and above (לְיֶתֶר - lə·ye·ṯer): Means "for the rest of," "as a remnant," or "over and above." This crucial phrase indicates that the specified quantity refers to the main, collective share of the spoil, excluding whatever immediate "plunder" was already taken or accounted for by the fighting men. It points to a surplus or remaining quantity after some initial processing.
• the plunder (הַבַּז - hab·baz): This noun refers to what is snatched, ravaged, or seized quickly during battle. It typically implies individual taking or what soldiers might initially acquire during the chaos of conquest, before it is officially gathered into the collective "booty."
• that the men of war (אֲשֶׁר בָּזְזוּ - ’ă·šer bā·zə·zū): Refers to the military force, those who directly engaged in battle. This phrase attributes the action of "plundering" (bāzaz - to seize as spoil, despoil) to them, explicitly differentiating their initial personal "plunder" from the larger, subsequently managed "booty."
• had taken (בָּזְזוּ - bā·zə·zū): A Qal perfect verb, meaning "they plundered" or "they had taken." It refers to the past action of seizing the spoil by the warriors.
• was 675,000 sheep (שֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף שִׁבְעִים וַחֲמִשָּׁה אָ֑לֶף - šêš-mê’ôt ’e·lep šiv·‘îm wa·ḥă·miš·šāh ’ā·lep): This is a staggering number (600,000 + 75,000). The numerical specificity is characteristic of the Pentateuch, especially Numbers, emphasizing accuracy and the sheer scale of divine provision and judgment. Sheep (ṣō’n) were a primary form of wealth and sustenance in the ancient Near East, valued for meat, wool, and sacrificial offerings. This number represents a massive economic asset and source of livelihood for the entire community.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the booty, over and above the plunder that the men of war had taken": This phrase clearly distinguishes between two categories of acquired wealth. "The plunder" (hab-baz) represents the portion seized directly by the fighting men, perhaps for immediate personal gain or partial distribution on the field. "The booty" (ham-malkôaḥ) refers to the consolidated, total collected spoil meant for broader, structured distribution amongst the entire congregation and for the special portion consecrated to the Lord. This differentiation highlights the careful and orderly system of spoil management implemented under God's law, preventing chaotic free-for-all plundering. It underscores divine command over even the spoils of war.
• "was 675,000 sheep": The immense quantity of sheep indicates the scale of the Midianite society and the totality of God's judgment and provision. Such a large number would significantly impact Israel's economy, provide vast resources for sustenance and trade, and ensure the economic stability of the emerging nation, testifying to God's rich blessing following their obedience. This detail reflects the practical implications of divine instruction and intervention.

Numbers 31 32 Bonus section

The exactitude of the numbers in Numbers 31 is characteristic of priestly texts and reflects the importance of meticulous adherence to God's instructions concerning all aspects of Israelite life, including military conquests and their economic outcomes. This comprehensive accounting served multiple purposes: it documented the divine victory, quantified the blessings from the Lord, facilitated the just distribution of resources across the entire community (not just the warriors), and ensured that God's portion, including the priests' and Levites' support, was duly set aside. The sheer magnitude of the sheep underscores the material wealth bestowed upon Israel as a result of their obedience, providing for their sustenance and future prosperity in the wilderness and into the promised land.

Numbers 31 32 Commentary

Numbers 31:32 provides a meticulously detailed numerical account of the livestock portion of the spoils from the Midianite campaign. The specific quantity of 675,000 sheep is remarkable, demonstrating the extensive resources of the Midianites and the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment exacted through Israel. This verse, along with others detailing various captured items, highlights the strict system of distributing spoils ordained by God. The careful distinction between the "booty" (collective spoils for the congregation) and "plunder" (what warriors might have initially taken) showcases the highly organized and principled approach Israel was to adopt in warfare. This wasn't just chaotic seizing of assets, but a structured process where the spoils, especially the vast "booty," were consecrated in part to the Lord and meticulously distributed among the entire assembly. It underlines the theme of God's sovereign control over wealth and resources, His provision for His people, and the importance of adhering to His commands even in seemingly mundane matters of property and logistics after a holy war. This act of war was not for material gain but for executing God's justice, and any material benefit derived was under His express guidance.